MK6 GTI - Rattle upon acceleration - Resolved via TPI: 2021062/7

[MurphyTheElf]

So... has anyone had any luck with showing local dealers the VWoA TSB on the rattle? What was the result of your visit Murphy?

See my post about that. Dealers can only undertake servicing that is sanctioned by VWA. VWA refuse to acknowledge the latest TSB from VWoA, so we're up 5H1T creek. I asked if the dealer could perform the troubleshooting at my expense, but after all the emails and phone calls they didn't have time and I am yet to take it back.

[ddre78]

I had a catback fitted by Volkspower during the week and showed them the TSB. Ill be taking it back at some stage to have them fit a weight to see what the result is. Unfortunately the actuator isn't super easy to get to so we couldn't do it at the time. Will report back when its done.

[G-rig]

Maybe get an intake and you won't be trying to hear the rattle? (it's more of a subtle hiss IMO not really a loud rattle)

[Primordial]

See my post about that. Dealers can only undertake servicing that is sanctioned by VWA. VWA refuse to acknowledge the latest TSB from VWoA, so we're up 5H1T creek. I asked if the dealer could perform the troubleshooting at my expense, but after all the emails and phone calls they didn't have time and I am yet to take it back.

Bugger

I've got a mate of mine who is about to start working for a VW dealership as a service technician - Once he's settled in I'm going to ask him to take a look at this for me and attach a weight to the actuator rod. Fingers crossed that fixes it!

[MurphyTheElf]

Bugger

I've got a mate of mine who is about to start working for a VW dealership as a service technician - Once he's settled in I'm going to ask him to take a look at this for me and attach a weight to the actuator rod. Fingers crossed that fixes it!

A weight won't fix the rattle, it will just tell you whether the actuator rod is the culprit by changing the pitch or removing the noise altogether. Permanently attaching a weight to the rod will alter the operation of the rod itself, altering the performance of the engine and possibly leading to problems in the not-too-distant future. The fix would be a rattle-free wastegate actuator kit.

[GTICam]

A weight won't fix the rattle, it will just tell you whether the actuator rod is the culprit by changing the pitch or removing the noise altogether. Permanently attaching a weight to the rod will alter the operation of the rod itself, altering the performance of the engine and possibly leading to problems in the not-too-distant future. The fix would be a rattle-free wastegate actuator kit.

Respectfully, I disagree Murphy. A weight will change the resonant frequency of the actuator rod assembly. As long as the weight doesn't interfere with the operation of the actuator physically, it shouldn't really be a problem. Being slightly heavier shouldn't impact too much on the wear of the joints at either end of the rod.
I've been messing around making a brass weight which clamps around the actuator rod. Still got some more work to do on it before I fit it permanently. It's a bugger to get to.
This idea of increasing the mass of a rod to change it's frequency isn't new. Years ago there was a similar solution to a vibrating fuel condition actuator rod on Rolls Royce RB211 jet engines - the vibration of the rod at particular engine speeds was affecting the fuel metering. Fitting a rod the was machined thicker (so it was slightly heavier) in the middle solved the problem.
Cheers,
Cam

[Corey_R]

Respectfully, I disagree Murphy. A weight will change the resonant frequency of the actuator rod assembly. As long as the weight doesn't interfere with the operation of the actuator physically, it shouldn't really be a problem. Being slightly heavier shouldn't impact too much on the wear of the joints at either end of the rod.

MurphyTheElf is just going off the information from the TSB which says to immediately remove the weight from the actuator rod, whether the weight has affected/resolved the rattle or not.

[MurphyTheElf]

I've been messing around making a brass weight which clamps around the actuator rod. Still got some more work to do on it before I fit it permanently. It's a bugger to get to.

Does this mean that you've tested the weight as a temporary fitting and it has reduced or removed the rattle?

[GTICam]

Does this mean that you've tested the weight as a temporary fitting and it has reduced or removed the rattle?

Not yet. Actually the one I made up was too loose on the actuator rod and I was worried about it slipping and jamming the wastegate mechanism. Hopefully I'll get around to making up another one soon that clamps better and put it on my car's actuator rod to try it out.
The point I was trying to make in my last post is that if I make a weight and it reduces or eliminates the rattle then I will leave it on there permanently. I can't see it causing any damage to the turbo/wastegate/engine.
I think the VW solution is only a temporary one because it calls for the use of a lead wheel weight stuck to the actuator rod.

[ddre78]

I asked Volkspower about leaving the weight on the rod and they couldn't think of any reason why it would be a problem. Particularly as the weight is only around 55gm.

I think VWoA know its a half-arsed fix and they are only using it as a diagnosis tool for a better fix down the track, but either way I dont care, if it fixes it, it can stay there until something better comes along. Hopefully ill have one fitted in the next week or so.

[reaction]

So 4 weeks tomorrow since I took my car in and yet to get any action on this from Wangara VW. Emailed again today to see what the plan of action is and when the general manager of VW will be taking my car for a test drive to hear the rattle for himself.

[reaction]

So this morning the area manager for aftersales in WA and SA took my car for a test drive and acknowledged that there is a rattle, its not "normal" for the car to rattle like this and that VWA is aware of the problem but they have no fix yet for the rattle. I was told what they thought the problem was but not being car technical at all it was a little over my head. Something to do with the turbo and some spacing somewhere. Said that even if they did replace the turbo or some surrounding part its nothing says it won't come back after a couple hundred kilometres.

I was told my next step should be to put pen to paper and write another letter to VWA explaining to them that I'm not happy and see if I can perhaps put some pressure on them. So now I'm wondering who else here would be willing to write a letter and see if we can perhaps get them to speed things up.

Not sure who I need to direct my email but ill do some searching and when I find out post the email address here for you guys to write a letter as well.

[Corey_R]

I'd suggest probably addressing the issue to Ms Anke Koeckler, Volkswagen Group Australia’s Managing Director.

[reaction]

Thanks Corey_R I have addressed my email to her.

[Sir_GTI]

I have just had the fist service completed, and mentioned to the service team about the rattle. I stressed it has nothing to do with the "waste gate rattle" and sounds more like the flexi joint on the D/P.

He acknowledged that the rattle was from the D/P and explained to me about a flap inside the D/P to generate back pressure at low RPM / Speed. He stated that the rattle is the flap opening under more throttle and vibrating, and promised me that VWA was aware and looking into it.

As previously said many times, this does sound more like an exhaust rattle and not a waste gate rattle. At least a vibrating flap inside sounds a more viable culprit than the waste gate.

Now to find one off a car and have a look inside and verify ....... maybe after the APR group buy goes ahead : )